On 17 April 2020 at about 6pm, the man visited a grocery store at Blk 651 Jurong West Street 61 to buy a packet of soy milk. The store’s female Chinese store supervisor denied the man entry and declined to sell him the item, as he was not wearing a mask. The man took offence and hurled racist remarks and vulgarities at the supervisor. He also attributed the source of the COVID-19 virus to the Chinese people.
On 18 April 2020, the Police received several reports on a video of the incident circulating online. Officers from Bedok Police Division established the identity of the man and traced him within three hours.
Investigations are ongoing. The offence of uttering words with deliberate intent to wound the racial feelings of any person under Section 298 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, carries an imprisonment term of up to three years, or a fine, or both. The offence of causing intentional harassment under Section 3(2) of the Protection from Harassment Act, Chapter 256A, carries a fine of up to $5,000, an imprisonment term of up to six months, or both. The offence of failing to wear a mask in public places is a contravention of Regulation 3A of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.
The Police take very seriously acts that can threaten racial harmony in Singapore. Any person who makes remarks that can cause ill-will and hostility between the different races will be dealt with swiftly and firmly.
The Police urge the public to take the circuit breaker measures seriously. Let us do our part to curb the spread of COVID-19.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
19 April 2020 @ 9:55 PM